state_v of_o the_o subject_a of_o our_o enquiry_n 1._o the_o diversity_n and_o division_n among_o church_n which_o respect_n be_v to_o be_v have_v unto_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o any_o which_o we_o will_v or_o aught_o to_o join_v unto_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v occasion_v by_o the_o remain_a weakness_n infirmity_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o best_a of_o man_n whereby_o they_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o prophesy_v only_o in_o part_n wherein_o our_o edification_n be_v concern_v but_o our_o salvation_n not_o endanger_v 2._o such_o as_o be_v in_o and_o about_o thing_n fundamental_a in_o faith_n worship_n and_o obedience_n we_o shall_v speak_v to_o both_o of_o they_o 2._o all_o christian_n be_v original_o of_o one_o mind_n in_o all_o thing_n needful_a unto_o joint-communion_n so_o as_o that_o there_o may_v be_v among_o they_o all_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n howbeit_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n not_o only_o in_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o apprehension_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n but_o in_o some_o doctrine_n themselves_o as_o about_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n or_o at_o least_o of_o some_o of_o they_o as_o also_o opposition_n from_o without_o unto_o the_o truth_n by_o heretic_n and_o apostate_n neither_o of_o which_o hinder_v the_o church_n communion_n of_o true_a believer_n but_o the_o diversity_n difference_n and_o division_n that_o be_v now_o among_o church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o great_a apostasy_n which_o befall_v they_o all_o in_o the_o latter_a age_n as_o unto_o the_o spirit_n rule_n and_o practice_n of_o those_o which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o will_v not_o be_v heal_v until_o that_o apostasy_n be_v abolish_v 3._o satan_n have_v possess_v himself_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o these_o division_n whereof_o he_o be_v the_o author_n he_o make_v use_v of_o they_o to_o act_v his_o malice_n and_o rage_n in_o stir_v up_o and_o instigate_a one_o party_n to_o persecute_v oppress_v and_o devour_v another_o until_o the_o life_n power_n and_o glory_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v almost_o lose_v in_o the_o world_n it_o require_v therefore_o great_a wisdom_n to_o deport_v ourselves_o aright_o among_o these_o division_n so_o as_o to_o contribute_v nothing_o unto_o the_o end_v of_o malice_n design_v by_o satan_n in_o they_o 4._o in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n until_o it_o may_v be_v cure_v which_o it_o will_v never_o be_v by_o any_o of_o the_o way_n yet_o propose_v and_o insist_v on_o the_o enquiry_n be_v concern_v the_o duty_n of_o any_o one_o who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n as_o unto_o a_o conjunction_n with_o some_o church_n or_o other_o and_o on_o the_o negative_a part_n i_o say_v 1._o such_o a_o one_o be_v bind_v not_o to_o join_v with_o any_o church_n or_o society_n where_o any_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n be_v reject_v or_o corrupt_v there_o may_v be_v a_o fundamental_a error_n in_o a_o true_a church_n for_o a_o season_n when_o the_o church_n err_v not_o fundamental_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 2_o tim._n 2.18_o but_o i_o suppose_v the_o error_n in_o or_o against_o the_o foundation_n be_v part_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o church_n or_o society_n to_o be_v join_v unto_o for_o thereby_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n be_v destroy_v it_o do_v not_o hold_v the_o head_n nor_o abide_v on_o the_o foundation_n nor_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n wherefore_o although_o the_o socinian_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o love_n forbearance_n and_o mutual_a toleration_n do_v offer_v we_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o church_n wherein_o there_o be_v somewhat_o of_o order_n and_o discipline_n commendable_a yet_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o join_v in_o church_n fellowship_n or_o communion_n with_o they_o for_o their_o error_n about_o the_o trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o satisfaction_n be_v destructive_a of_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o idolatry_n in_o the_o divine_a worship_n of_o a_o mere_a creature_n be_v introduce_v by_o they_o 2._o where_o there_o 〈…〉_z any_o church_n teach_v or_o allow_v a_o mixture_n of_o doctrine_n or_o opinion_n that_o be_v prejudicial_a unto_o gospel_n holiness_n or_o obedience_n no_o man_n that_o take_v due_a care_n of_o his_o salvation_n can_v join_v himself_o unto_o it_o for_o the_o original_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o church_n communion_n be_v agreement_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n where_o therefore_o there_o be_v either_o not_o a_o stable_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o doctrine_n in_o all_o substantial_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o a_o uncertain_a sound_n be_v give_v some_o say_v one_o thing_n some_o another_o or_o that_o opposition_n be_v make_v unto_o any_o truth_n of_o the_o importance_n before_o mention_v none_o can_v be_v bind_v or_o oblige_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o it_o nor_o can_v incur_v any_o blame_n by_o refrain_v from_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o all_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o join_v with_o such_o a_o church_n will_v 1._o stain_v their_o profession_n 2._o hinder_v their_o edification_n 3_o establish_v a_o new_a rule_n of_o communion_n unknown_a to_o the_o scripture_n namely_o beside_o truth_n as_o may_v easy_o be_v manifest_v 3._o where_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religious_a worship_n be_v corrupt_v or_o overthrow_v it_o be_v absolute_o unlawful_a to_o join_v unto_o or_o abide_v in_o any_o church_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o various_a way_n whereby_o the_o foundation_n of_o divine_a religious_a worship_n be_v overthrow_v in_o that_o church_n by_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n have_v be_v sufficient_o declare_v these_o render_v the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n pernicious_a 4._o nor_o can_v any_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o join_v himself_o with_o any_o church_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v his_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v where_o the_o eternal_o fix_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o religious_a worship_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n be_v vary_v or_o change_v by_o any_o addition_n unto_o it_o or_o subtraction_n from_o it_o for_o whereas_o one_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o church_n be_v the_o joint_a celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o certain_a stable_n rule_v thereof_o in_o any_o church_n of_o divine_a prescription_n no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v unto_o communion_n therewith_o 5._o where_o the_o fundamental_o of_o church_n order_n practice_n and_o discipline_n be_v destroy_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o man_n to_o join_v in_o church_n communion_n these_o fundamental_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o concern_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o such_o as_o concern_v the_o church_n itself_o there_o be_v four_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a fundamental_o unto_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o ministry_n 1._o that_o all_o the_o minister_n or_o officer_n of_o it_o be_v due_o choose_v by_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o solemn_o set_v apart_o in_o the_o church_n unto_o their_o office_n according_a unto_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o christ._n this_o be_v fundamental_a unto_o church_n order_n the_o root_n of_o it_o from_o whence_o all_o other_o part_n of_o it_o do_v spring_n and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o express_o provide_v for_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v if_o there_o be_v a_o neglect_v herein_o and_o no_o other_o relation_n require_v between_o minister_n elder_n ruler_n bishop_n and_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v raise_v and_o create_v by_o way_n and_o rule_n of_o man_n appointment_n or_o if_o there_o be_v a_o temporary_a disposal_n of_o person_n into_o a_o discharge_n of_o that_o office_n without_o a_o solemn_a call_v choice_n ordination_n and_o separation_n unto_o the_o office_n itself_o and_o its_o work_n the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v violate_v and_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n disturb_v in_o its_o foundation_n 2._o that_o those_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v due_o qualify_v by_o their_o endowment_n with_o spiritual_a gift_n for_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n be_v fundamental_a unto_o the_o ministry_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v still_o continue_v his_o dispensation_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n unto_o man_n to_o fit_a and_o enable_v they_o unto_o the_o office_n and_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n that_o if_o he_o do_v not_o do_v so_o or_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n cease_v so_o to_o do_v the_o whole_a office_n of_o the_o ministry_n must_v cease_v and_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n with_o it_o that_o it_o be_v altogether_o useless_a for_o any_o church_n or_o person_n to_o erect_v a_o image_n of_o the_o gospel_n ministry_n by_o outward_a rite_n and_o
not_o or_o be_v neglect_v it_o be_v therefore_o fond_a to_o suppose_v that_o our_o saviour_n shall_v prescribe_v this_o rule_n for_o that_o season_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o it_o and_o not_o for_o those_o time_n wherein_o the_o church_n can_v not_o subsist_v in_o order_n without_o it_o 3_o the_o church_n here_o direct_v unto_o be_v a_o christian_a church_n for_o 1._o whereas_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v it_o concern_v the_o time_n to_o come_v afterward_o there_o be_v in_o those_o time_n nothing_o that_o can_v pretend_v unto_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n but_o a_o christian_a church_n only_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n have_v a_o utter_a end_n put_v unto_o they_o so_o as_o that_o a_o address_v unto_o any_o of_o they_o in_o this_o case_n be_v not_o only_o useless_a but_o unlawful_a and_o as_o unto_o magistrate_n or_o arbitrator_n to_o have_v they_o call_v the_o church_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o that_o after_o the_o interposition_n of_o their_o authority_n or_o advice_n a_o man_n shall_v be_v free_v from_o the_o discharge_n of_o all_o christian_a duty_n such_o as_o be_v mutual_o require_v among_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o brother_n be_v a_o fond_a imagination_n for_o 2_o it_o be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o can_v exercise_v authority_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n over_o his_o disciple_n and_o such_o as_o in_o conscience_n they_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o for_o the_o reason_n give_v of_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o voice_n judgement_n and_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n in_o case_n of_o offence_n be_v their_o power_n of_o spiritual_a bind_n and_o looâ—ing_v which_o be_v comit_v by_o christ_n thereunto_o and_o so_o he_o add_v immediatley_n ver_fw-la 18._o whatever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v in_o heaven_n shall_v be_v loose_v on_o earth_n be_v the_o privilege_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n only_o 4thly_a it_o be_v a_o visible_a particular_a congregation_n alone_o that_o be_v intend_v for_o 1._o as_o unto_o the_o church_n in_o other_o acceptation_n of_o that_o name_n either_o for_o the_o catholics_n invisible_a church_n or_o for_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o profess_a believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a that_o this_o dâ—ty_n shall_v be_v observe_v towards_o it_o as_o be_v manifest_a unto_o all_o 2._o we_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o first_o and_o most_o proper_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n be_v of_o a_o single_a congregation_n assemble_v together_o for_o its_o duty_n and_o enjoyment_n where_o ever_o therefore_o the_o church_n in_o general_n be_v mention_v without_o the_o addition_n of_o any_o thing_n or_o circumstance_n that_o may_v lead_v unto_o another_o signification_n it_o must_v be_v interpret_v of_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n 3._o the_o person_n intend_v offend_v and_o offend_v must_v belong_v unto_o the_o same_o society_n unto_o who_o the_o address_n be_v to_o be_v make_v or_o else_o the_o one_o party_n may_v just_o decline_v the_o judicatory_a apply_v unto_o and_o so_o frustrate_a the_o process_n and_o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v know_v in_o their_o circumstance_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o right_a judgement_n in_o sundry_a case_n can_v be_v make_v in_o point_n of_o offence_n 4_o it_o be_v a_o church_n of_o a_o easy_a address_n go_v tell_v the_o church_n which_o suppose_v that_o free_a and_o immediate_a access_n which_o all_o the_o member_n of_o a_o church_n have_v unto_o that_o whole_a church_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n wherefore_o 5_o it_o be_v say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d tell_v the_o church_n not_o a_o church_n but_o the_o church_n namely_o whereunto_o thou_o and_o thy_o brother_n do_v belong_v 6_o one_o end_n of_o this_o direction_n be_v that_o the_o offend_a and_o the_o offend_a party_n may_v continue_v together_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o same_o church_n in_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n which_o thing_n belong_v unto_o a_o particular_a congregation_n 7_o the_o meaning_n be_v not_o tell_v the_o diocesan_n bishop_n for_o whatever_o church_n he_o may_v have_v under_o his_o rule_n yet_o be_v not_o he_o himself_o a_o church_n nor_o be_v it_o 8_o the_o chancellor_n court_n that_o our_o saviour_n intend_v be_v it_o what_o it_o will_v it_o be_v a_o disparagement_n unto_o all_o church_n to_o have_v that_o name_n apply_v thereunto_o nor_o last_o be_v it_o a_o presbytery_n or_o association_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o many_o particular_a congregation_n that_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o power_n claim_v in_o such_o associate_v presbytery_n be_v with_o respect_n unto_o what_o be_v already_o in_o or_o before_o particular_a congregation_n which_o they_o have_v not_o either_o wisdom_n or_o authority_n as_o be_v suppose_v final_o to_o order_n and_o determine_v but_o this_o suppose_v that_o the_o address_v in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v make_v unto_o a_o particular_a congregation_n which_o therefore_o be_v first_o and_o proper_o here_o intend_v all_o thing_n be_v plain_a familiar_a and_o expose_v to_o the_o common_a understanding_n of_o all_o believer_n who_o mind_n be_v any_o way_n exercise_v about_o these_o thing_n as_o indeed_o be_v all_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ._n argument_n pretend_o deep_o and_o learned_a real_o obscure_a and_o perplex_a with_o logical_a notion_n and_o distinction_n apply_v unto_o thing_n thus_o plain_a and_o evident_a in_o themselves_o do_v serve_v only_o to_o involve_v and_o darken_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o place_n 1_o that_o there_o be_v a_o church-state_n for_o christian_n then_o design_v by_o christ_n which_o afterward_o he_o will_v institute_v and_o settle_v 2_o that_o all_o true_a disciple_n be_v to_o join_v and_o unite_v themselves_o in_o some_o such_o church_n as_o may_v be_v helpful_a unto_o their_o love_n order_n peace_n and_o edification_n 3_o that_o among_o the_o member_n of_o these_o church_n offence_n will_v or_o may_v arise_v which_o in_o themselves_o tend_v unto_o pernicious_a event_n 4_o that_o if_o these_o offence_n can_v not_o be_v cure_v and_o take_v away_o so_o as_o that_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n may_v be_v continue_v among_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n a_o account_n of_o they_o at_o last_o be_v to_o be_v give_v unto_o that_o church_n or_o society_n whereunto_o the_o party_n concern_v do_v belong_v as_o member_n of_o it_o 5_o that_o this_o church_n shall_v hear_v determine_v and_o give_v judgement_n with_o advice_n in_o the_o case_n so_o bring_v unto_o it_o for_o the_o take_v away_o and_o removal_n of_o all_o offence_n 6_o that_o this_o determination_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v rest_v in_o on_o the_o penalty_n of_o a_o deprivation_n of_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n 7_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ_n himself_o who_o authority_n in_o they_o all_o be_v to_o be_v submit_v unto_o and_o which_o alone_o can_v cast_v one_o that_o be_v a_o profess_a christian_n into_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o heathen_a or_o a_o publican_n these_o thing_n in_o the_o notion_n and_o practice_n of_o they_o be_v plain_a easy_a and_o expose_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v wherein_o their_o daily_a practice_n be_v concern_v but_o it_o be_v not_o easy_o to_o be_v express_v into_o what_o horrible_a perplexity_n and_o confusion_n they_o have_v be_v wrest_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n nor_o how_o those_o who_o depart_v from_o the_o plain_a obvious_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n and_o love_v not_o the_o practice_n they_o direct_v unto_o do_v lead_v themselves_o and_o other_o into_o way_n and_o path_n that_o have_v neither_o use_n nor_o end_n from_o the_o corrupt_a abuse_n of_o the_o holy_a institution_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n here_o intend_v so_o many_o power_n faculty_n court_n jurisdiction_n legal_a process_n with_o litigious_a vexatious_a oppressive_a course_n of_o action_n and_o trial_n who_o very_a name_n be_v uncouth_a horrid_a foreign_a unto_o religion_n and_o unintelligible_a without_o cunning_a in_o a_o artificial_a barbarous_a science_n of_o the_o canon_n law_n have_v proceed_v as_o be_v enough_o to_o fill_v a_o sober_a rational_a man_n with_o astonishment_n how_o it_o can_v ever_o enter_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o suppose_v that_o they_o can_v possible_o have_v any_o relation_n unto_o this_o divine_a institution_n those_o who_o be_v not_o utter_o blind_v with_o interest_n and_o prejudice_n whole_o ignorant_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n therein_o as_o also_o stranger_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o it_o require_v will_v hardly_o
of_o that_o nation_n and_o by_o live_v within_o such_o parochial_a precinct_n as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n have_v arbitrary_o establish_v be_v member_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a congregation_n at_o least_o they_o be_v account_v so_o far_o to_o belong_v unto_o these_o church_n as_o to_o render_v they_o liable_a unto_o all_o outward_a punishment_n that_o shall_v be_v think_v meet_a to_o be_v inflict_v on_o they_o who_o comply_v not_o with_o they_o so_o far_o as_o these_o persuasion_n and_o act_n according_a unto_o they_o do_v prevail_v so_o far_o be_v they_o destructive_a of_o the_o principal_a foundation_n of_o the_o external_a be_v and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o man_n join_n themselves_o in_o or_o unto_o any_o church_n society_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o voluntary_a act_n or_o a_o act_n of_o free_a choice_n in_o mere_a obedience_n unto_o the_o authority_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o sacred_a a_o truth_n so_o evident_a in_o the_o scripture_n so_o necessary_a from_o its_o subject_a matter_n so_o testify_v unto_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o first_o church_n as_o that_o it_o despise_v all_o opposition_n and_o i_o know_v not_o how_o any_o can_v reconcile_v the_o common_a practice_n of_o give_v man_n the_o reputation_n or_o reality_n of_o be_v member_n of_o or_o belong_v unto_o this_o or_o that_o church_n as_o unto_o total_a communion_n who_o desire_n or_o choose_v no_o such_o thing_n unto_o this_o acknowledge_a principle_n 5._o there_o be_v a_o double_a join_n unto_o the_o church_n 1._o that_o which_o be_v as_o unto_o total_a communion_n in_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v that_o whereof_o we_o treat_v 2._o a_o adherence_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n and_o edification_n to_o be_v attain_v thereby_o so_o person_n may_v adhere_v unto_o any_o church_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o meet_v or_o free_a on_o some_o present_a consideration_n to_o confederate_a with_o it_o as_o unto_o total_a communion_n see_v act._n 5.13_o 14._o and_o of_o this_o sort_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n be_v the_o baptise_a child_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o although_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o perform_v church-duty_n or_o enjoy_v churchâ—priviledges_n in_o their_o tender_a year_n nor_o can_v have_v a_o right_n unto_o total_a communion_n before_o the_o testification_n of_o their_o own_o voluntary_a consent_n thereunto_o and_o choice_n thereof_o yet_o be_v they_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n under_o the_o care_n and_o inspection_n of_o the_o church_n so_o far_o as_o the_o outward_a administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o be_v commit_v thereunto_o and_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v according_a to_o their_o capacity_n to_o attend_v unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o that_o church_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v 6._o the_o proposition_n respect_v a_o visible_a profess_v church_n and_o i_o intend_v such_o a_o church_n in_o general_n as_o avow_v authority_n from_o christ_n 1._o for_o the_o ministerial_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n 2._o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n 3_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o evangelical_n discipline_n and_o 4._o to_o give_v a_o public_a testimony_n against_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n not_o contradict_v their_o profession_n with_o any_o corrupt_a principle_n or_o practice_n inconsistent_a with_o it_o what_o be_v require_v in_o particular_a that_o any_o of_o they_o may_v be_v meet_a to_o be_v join_v unto_o such_o a_o church_n we_o shall_v afterward_o inquire_v 7._o it_o be_v general_o say_v that_o out_o of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o the_o truth_n hereof_o be_v testify_v unto_o in_o the_o scripture_n act._n 2.47_o 1_o pet._n 3.20_o 21._o matth._n 16.18_o ephes._n 5.26_o 27._o joh._n 10.16_o 8_o this_o be_v true_a both_o positive_o and_o negative_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n invisible_a of_o the_o elect_a all_o that_o be_v of_o it_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o none_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o those_o that_o belong_v unto_o it_o ephes._n 5.25_o 26_o 27._o of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a profess_v church_n negative_o that_o no_o adult_n person_n can_v be_v save_v that_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o this_o church_n rom._n 10.10_o 9_o this_o position_n of_o truth_n be_v abuse_v by_o interest_n and_o pride_n a_o enclosure_n of_o it_o be_v make_v by_o they_o who_o of_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n can_v lay_v the_o least_o and_o weak_a claim_n unto_o it_o namely_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v that_o catholic_n church_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o wherein_o none_o can_v perish_v like_o the_o ark_n of_o noah_n that_o it_o require_v the_o high_a charity_n to_o reckon_v they_o unto_o that_o visible_a profess_v church_n whereof_o the_o great_a part_n may_v perish_v and_o do_v so_o undoubted_o 10._o our_o enquiry_n be_v what_o truth_n there_o be_v in_o this_o assertion_n with_o respect_n unto_o these_o particular_a church_n or_o society_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o gospel-worship_n and_o discipline_n whereof_o we_o treat_v and_o i_o say_v 1._o no_o church_n of_o what_o denomination_n soever_o can_v lay_v a_o claim_n unto_o this_o privilege_n as_o belong_v unto_o itself_o alone_o this_o be_v the_o ancient_a donatism_n they_o confine_v salvation_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o their_o way_n alone_o and_o after_o many_o false_a charge_n of_o it_o on_o other_o it_o begin_v real_o to_o be_v renew_v in_o our_o day_n for_o some_o dispute_n that_o salvation_n be_v confine_v unto_o that_o church_n alone_o wherein_o there_o be_v a_o succession_n of_o diocesan_n bishop_n which_o be_v the_o height_n of_o donatism_n the_o judgement_n and_o determination_n make_v concern_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n or_o damnation_n of_o man_n by_o the_o measure_n of_o some_o difference_n among_o christian_n about_o church_n their_o state_n and_o order_n be_v absurd_a foolish_a and_o impious_a and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n use_v by_o they_o who_o sufficient_o proclaim_v that_o they_o know_v neither_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v save_v nor_o do_v use_v any_o diligence_n about_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o it_o salvation_n depend_v absolute_o on_o no_o particular_a church-state_n in_o the_o world_n he_o know_v not_o the_o gospel_n who_o can_v real_o think_v it_o do_v person_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o for_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n be_v for_o they_o if_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n be_v for_o they_o who_o be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n much_o more_o be_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n so_o if_o a_o man_n be_v a_o adulterer_n a_o idolater_n a_o railer_n a_o hater_n &_o scoffer_n of_o godliness_n if_o he_o choose_v to_o live_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n without_o repentance_n or_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o know_a duty_n if_o he_o be_v ignorant_a and_o profane_a in_o a_o word_n if_o he_o be_v not_o bear_v again_o from_o above_o be_v he_o of_o what_o church_n he_o will_v and_o whatsoever_o place_n he_o possess_v therein_o he_o can_v be_v save_v and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o a_o man_n believe_v in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o be_v know_v he_o in_o his_o person_n office_n doctrine_n and_o grace_n trust_v unto_o he_o for_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n in_o he_o if_o he_o endeavour_v to_o yield_v sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n unto_o all_o his_o command_n and_o to_o be_v conform_v unto_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n follow_v his_o example_n have_v for_o these_o end_n receive_v of_o his_o spirit_n though_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v reject_v he_o yet_o he_o shall_v undoubted_o be_v save_v if_o any_o shall_v hence_o infer_v that_o then_o it_o be_v all_o one_o of_o what_o church_n any_o one_o be_v i_o answer_v 1._o that_o although_o the_o be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o or_o any_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n will_v not_o secure_v the_o salvation_n of_o any_o man_n yet_o the_o adherence_n unto_o some_o church_n or_o such_o as_o be_v so_o call_v in_o their_o constitution_n and_o worship_n may_v prejudice_v yea_o ruin_n the_o salvation_n of_o any_o that_o shall_v so_o do_v 2._o the_o choice_n of_o what_o church_n we_o will_v join_v unto_o belong_v unto_o the_o choice_n and_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n for_o our_o edification_n and_o he_o that_o make_v no_o conscience_n hereof_o but_o mere_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o event_n of_o be_v save_v at_o last_o will_v probable_o come_v short_a thereof_o 2._o on_o this_o supposition_n that_o there_o be_v no_o insuperable_a difficulty_n lie_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n as_o that_o a_o person_n be_v cast_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n into_o such_o a_o place_n or_o season_n as_o
the_o indulgence_n grant_v by_o his_o majesty_n by_o a_o publâ—que_a declaration_n some_o year_n ago_o whereby_o it_o shall_v seem_v the_o papist_n think_v to_o make_v some_o advantage_n though_o they_o be_v deceive_v in_o their_o expectation_n i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o whatever_o be_v the_o true_a case_n in_o reference_n thereto_o in_o point_n of_o law_n that_o in_o my_o judgement_n it_o scarce_o answer_v that_o loyalty_n and_o regard_n unto_o his_o majesty_n honour_n which_o some_o man_n profess_v when_o all_o his_o action_n be_v suit_v to_o their_o interest_n to_o continue_v such_o outcry_n about_o that_o which_o be_v his_o own_o sole_a act_n by_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o counsel_n we_o do_v indeed_o thankful_o accept_v and_o make_v use_n of_o this_o royal_a favour_n and_o after_o that_o for_o so_o many_o year_n we_o have_v be_v expose_v to_o all_o manner_n of_o suffering_n and_o penalty_n whereby_o multitude_n be_v ruin_v in_o their_o estate_n and_o some_o lose_v their_o life_n and_o that_o without_o hope_n of_o any_o remission_n of_o severity_n from_o the_o parliament_n that_o then_o sit_v by_o their_o mistake_n of_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n wherein_o alone_o they_o do_v not_o miss_v it_o we_o be_v glad_a to_o take_v a_o little_a breathe_a space_n from_o our_o trouble_n under_o his_o majesty_n royal_a protection_n design_v only_o as_o a_o expedient_a as_o be_v usual_a in_o former_a time_n for_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o kingdom_n until_o the_o whole_a matter_n may_v be_v settle_v in_o parliament_n and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o crime_n habetis_fw-la confitentem_fw-la reum_fw-la as_o to_o my_o part_n but_o because_o i_o know_v myself_o herein_o peculiar_o reflect_v on_o i_o do_v avow_v that_o never_o any_o one_o person_n in_o authority_n dignity_n or_o power_n in_o the_o nation_n nor_o any_o one_o that_o have_v any_o relation_n unto_o public_a affair_n nor_o any_o from_o they_o papist_n or_o protestant_n do_v once_o speak_v one_o word_n to_o i_o or_o advise_v with_o i_o about_o any_o indulgence_n or_o toleration_n to_o be_v grant_v unto_o papist_n i_o challenge_v all_o the_o world_n who_o be_v otherwise_o mind_a to_o intermit_v their_o service_n for_o a_o season_n unto_o the_o great_a false_a accuser_n and_o prove_v the_o contrary_a if_o they_o can_v the_o person_n be_v sufficient_o know_v of_o who_o they_o may_v make_v their_o enquiry_n but_o i_o can_v cast_v this_o also_o into_o the_o same_o heap_n or_o bundle_n of_o other_o false_a surmize_n and_o report_n concern_v i_o almost_o without_o number_n which_o it_o will_v be_v a_o wonder_n that_o some_o man_n shall_v pretend_v to_o believe_v and_o divulge_v as_o they_o have_v do_v if_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o judge_v that_o their_o charity_n and_o prudence_n be_v proportionable_a unto_o their_o dignity_n and_o promotion_n these_o thing_n must_v be_v whilst_o interest_n with_o hope_n and_o fear_n vain_a love_n and_o hatred_n thence_o arise_v do_v steer_v the_o mind_n of_o men._n but_o what_o if_o we_o have_v not_o design_v the_o prevalence_n or_o introduction_n of_o popery_n yet_o be_v a_o company_n of_o silly_a fellow_n we_o have_v suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v wheadle_v by_o the_o jesuit_n to_o be_v active_a for_o the_o cut_n of_o our_o own_o throat_n for_o we_o be_v full_a well_o satisfy_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o very_a first_o who_o shall_v drink_v of_o the_o cup_n of_o their_o fury_n can_v they_o ruin_v the_o protestant_a interest_n in_o england_n and_o into_o such_o a_o unhappy_a posture_n of_o affair_n be_v we_o fall_v that_o whereas_o it_o be_v evident_a we_o do_v nothing_o for_o the_o promotion_n of_o popery_n but_o only_o pray_v against_o it_o preach_v against_o it_o write_v against_o it_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o principle_n of_o truth_n whereon_o to_o avoid_v it_o and_o cordial_o join_v with_o all_o true_a protestant_n in_o the_o opposition_n of_o it_o wherein_o we_o be_v charge_v with_o a_o excess_n that_o be_v like_a to_o spoil_v all_o yet_o these_o crafty_a blade_n know_v how_o to_o turn_v it_o all_o unto_o their_o advantage_n as_o it_o shall_v seem_v therefore_o there_o remain_v nothing_o for_o nonconformist_n to_o do_v in_o this_o matter_n but_o to_o bind_v themselves_o hand_n and_o foot_n and_o give_v themselves_o up_o unto_o the_o power_n of_o the_o papist_n for_o all_o they_o do_v against_o they_o do_v but_o promote_v their_o interest_n but_o this_o i_o be_o persuade_v they_o will_v be_v great_o unwilling_a unto_o unless_o they_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o their_o episcopal_a friend_n will_v be_v more_o ready_a to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o hazard_v for_o their_o preservation_n and_o deliverance_n than_o yet_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o expect_v that_o they_o will_n but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o be_v a_o long_a time_n since_o teach_v a_o expedient_a by_o a_o eminent_a personage_n for_o the_o free_n myself_o from_o any_o inclination_n to_o a_o compliance_n with_o popery_n and_o that_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o himself_o for_o be_v in_o ireland_n when_o there_o be_v in_o former_a day_n a_o great_a noise_n about_o reconciliation_n a_o person_n of_o his_o own_o order_n and_o degree_n in_o the_o court_n of_o england_n write_v unto_o he_o to_o inform_v he_o of_o a_o report_n that_o he_o be_v incline_v to_o a_o reconciliation_n with_o popery_n or_o a_o compliance_n on_o good_a term_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o withal_o desire_v he_o that_o if_o it_o be_v so_o he_o will_v communicate_v unto_o he_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o judgement_n but_o that_o great_a and_o wise_a personage_n understand_v full_a well_o whereunto_o these_o thing_n tend_v return_v no_o answer_n but_o this_o only_a that_o he_o know_v no_o reason_n for_o any_o such_o report_n for_o he_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o believe_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v antichrist_n which_o put_v a_o absolute_a period_n unto_o the_o intercourse_n and_o i_o can_v insist_v on_o the_o same_o defensative_a against_o forty_o such_o argument_n as_o be_v use_v to_o prove_v we_o compliant_a with_o the_o papal_a interest_n and_o so_o i_o believe_v can_v all_o the_o nonconformist_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o i_o can_v for_o my_o part_n subscribe_v unto_o the_o conclusion_n which_o that_o most_o eminent_a champion_n of_o the_o ptotestant_a religion_n in_o england_n namely_o whitaker_n give_v unto_o his_o learned_a disputation_n about_o antichrist_n igitur_fw-la say_v he_o sequamur_fw-la praeeuntem_fw-la spiritum_fw-la sanctum_fw-la &_o libere_fw-la dicamus_fw-la defendamus_fw-la clamemus_fw-la &_o per_fw-la eum_fw-la qui_fw-la vivit_fw-la in_o aeternum_fw-la juremus_fw-la pontificem_fw-la romanum_fw-la esse_fw-la antichristum_n if_o this_o will_v not_o suffice_v we_o know_v better_o how_o to_o spend_v our_o remain_a hour_n of_o life_n and_o peace_n then_o in_o contend_v about_o impertinent_a story_n and_o surmize_n exhale_v by_o wit_n and_o invention_n out_o of_o the_o bog_n of_o secular_a interest_n and_o shall_v therefore_o only_o assure_v those_o by_o who_o we_o be_v charge_v in_o the_o pulpit_n or_o coffeehouse_n or_o from_o the_o press_n to_o countenance_v the_o promotion_n of_o the_o papal_a interest_n in_o the_o nation_n that_o as_o they_o deal_v unjust_o with_o we_o herein_o and_o weaken_v the_o protestant_a interest_n what_o lie_v in_o they_o so_o let_v they_o and_o other_o do_v and_o say_v what_o they_o please_v nothing_o shall_v ever_o shake_v we_o in_o our_o resolution_n by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n to_o abide_v in_o a_o firm_a conjunction_n with_o all_o sincere_a protestant_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o papist_n yea_o that_o we_o will_v do_v so_o with_o our_o life_n at_o the_o stake_n if_o there_o be_v none_o leave_v to_o abide_v in_o the_o same_o testimony_n but_o ourselves_o but_o if_o they_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o we_o to_o be_v serviceable_a against_o popery_n but_o by_o debauch_v our_o conscience_n with_o that_o conformity_n which_o they_o prescribe_v unto_o we_o we_o beg_v their_o pardon_n we_o be_v 〈…〉_z mind_n the_o preface_n a_o examination_n of_o the_o general_a principle_n of_o dr._n stillingfleet_n book_n of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n the_o difference_n and_o contest_v among_o profess_a christian_n about_o the_o nature_n power_n order_n rule_n and_o residence_n of_o the_o gospel_n church_n state_n with_o the_o interest_n of_o each_o dissent_v party_n therein_o have_v not_o only_o be_v great_a and_o of_o long_a continuance_n but_o have_v also_o so_o despise_v all_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o allay_v or_o abatement_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v more_o and_o more_o inflame_a every_o day_n and_o to_o threaten_v more_o pernicious_a consequent_n than_o any_o they_o have_v already_o produce_v which_o yet_o have_v be_v of_o the_o worst_a of_o evil_n that_o the_o world_n for_o some_o age_n have_v groan_v
bound_n of_o church_n in_o all_o age_n which_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o any_o man_n to_o endeavour_v a_o alteration_n of_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o 2_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n in_o and_o by_o these_o society_n this_o be_v a_o prime_n dictate_v of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n arise_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o ourselves_o which_o have_v be_v wrest_v into_o i_o know_v not_o what_o religious_a ceremony_n of_o man_n invention_n 3_o that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v all_o divine_a revelation_n with_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o shall_v either_o appoint_v the_o way_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o prescribe_v the_o duty_n of_o it_o or_o guide_v and_o direct_v they_o in_o its_o performance_n and_o to_o regulate_v their_o obedience_n therein_o this_o also_o be_v a_o clear_a unquestionable_a dictate_v of_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o on_o the_o principle_n of_o downright_a atheism_n further_o we_o need_v not_o seek_v for_o the_o divine_a original_a of_o church_n or_o society_n of_o man_n fear_v god_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o public_a worship_n unto_o his_o glory_n and_o their_o own_o eternal_a benefit_n according_a unto_o the_o light_n and_o knowledge_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o communicate_v unto_o they_o what_o concern_v the_o frame_n and_o fashion_v of_o church_n by_o arbitrary_a and_o artificial_a combination_n in_o province_n nation_n and_o the_o like_a we_o shall_v afterward_o inquire_v into_o this_o be_v the_o assure_a foundation_n and_o general_a warranty_n of_o particular_a society_n and_o church_n whilst_o man_n be_v continue_v on_o the_o earth_n the_o especial_a regulation_n of_o they_o by_o divine_a revelation_n will_v in_o the_o next_o place_n be_v consider_v and_o he_o who_o be_v not_o unite_v with_o other_o in_o some_o such_o society_n live_v in_o open_a contradiction_n unto_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o its_o light_n in_o the_o principal_a instance_n of_o it_o 1._o whereas_o the_o direction_n give_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o and_o unto_o thing_n concern_v the_o outward_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v general_a only_o so_o as_o that_o by_o they_o alone_o it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a to_o erect_v a_o church-state_n in_o good_a and_o holy_a order_n god_n do_v always_o from_o the_o beginning_n by_o especial_a revelation_n and_o institution_n ordain_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v perfect_v the_o conduct_n of_o that_o light_n unto_o such_o a_o complete_a order_n as_o be_v accept_v with_o himself_o so_o 1_o he_o appoint_v a_o church-state_n for_o man_n in_o innocency_n and_o complete_v its_o order_n by_o the_o sacramental_a addition_n of_o the_o two_o tree_n the_o one_o of_o life_n the_o other_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n 2._o that_o before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v to_o perfect_a and_o complete_a all_o divine_a revelation_n and_o state_n all_o thing_n belong_v unto_o the_o house_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n so_o as_o never_o to_o admit_v of_o the_o least_o change_n or_o alteration_n this_o church-state_n as_o unto_o outward_a order_n rite_n of_o worship_n way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o thing_n sacred_a with_o its_o bound_n and_o limit_n be_v changeable_a and_o various_o change_v the_o most_o eminent_a change_n it_o receive_v be_v in_o the_o give_n of_o the_o law_n which_o fix_v its_o state_n unalterable_o unto_o the_o come_v of_o christ._n mal._n 4.4_o 5_o 6._o 3._o that_o it_o be_v god_n himself_o alone_o who_o make_v all_o these_o alteration_n and_o change_n nor_o will_v he_o nor_o do_v he_o ever_o allow_v that_o the_o will_n wisdom_n or_o authority_n of_o man_n shall_v prescribe_v rule_n or_o measure_n unto_o his_o worship_n in_o any_o thing_n heb._n 3.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o 4._o that_o the_o foundation_n of_o every_o church-state_n that_o be_v accept_v with_o god_n be_v in_o a_o express_a covenant_n with_o he_o that_o they_o receive_v and_o enter_v into_o who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o that_o state_n a_o church_n not_o found_v in_o a_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v not_o from_o heaven_n but_o of_o men._n hereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v more_o at_o large_a as_o i_o suppose_v afterward_o see_v it_o exemplify_v exod._n 24._o 5._o there_o be_v no_o good_a in_o there_o be_v no_o benefit_n to_o be_v obtain_v by_o any_o church-state_n whatever_o unless_o we_o enter_v into_o it_o and_o observe_v it_o by_o a_o act_n of_o obedience_n with_o immediate_a respect_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n by_o who_o it_o be_v appoint_v and_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o prescribe_v unto_o we_o mat._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o hence_o 6._o unless_o man_n by_o their_o voluntary_a choice_n and_o consent_n out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o institution_n do_v enter_v into_o a_o church-state_n they_o can_v by_o any_o other_o way_n or_o mean_n be_v so_o frame_v into_o it_o as_o to_o find_v acceptance_n with_o god_n therein_o 2._o cor._n 8.5_o and_o the_o interposition_n that_o be_v make_v by_o custom_n tradition_n the_o institution_n and_o ordinance_n of_o man_n between_o the_o conscience_n of_o they_o who_o belong_v or_o will_v belong_v unto_o such_o a_o state_n and_o the_o immediate_a authority_n of_o god_n be_v high_o obstructive_a of_o this_o divine_a order_n 58._o and_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o for_o hence_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o most_o man_n know_v neither_o how_o nor_o whereby_o they_o come_v to_o be_v member_n of_o this_o or_o that_o church_n but_o only_o on_o this_o ground_n that_o they_o be_v bear_v where_o it_o do_v prevail_v and_o be_v accept_v chap._n ii_o the_o especial_a original_a of_o the_o evangelical_n church-state_n our_o principal_a concernment_n at_o present_a be_v in_o the_o evangelical_n church-state_n or_o the_o state_n of_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o this_o be_v that_o about_o which_o there_o be_v many_o great_a and_o fierce_a contest_v among_o christian_n and_o those_o attend_v with_o pernicious_a consequent_n and_o effect_n what_o be_v the_o original_a what_o be_v the_o nature_n what_o be_v the_o use_n and_o power_n what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o church_n what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o man_n in_o it_o and_o towards_o it_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o various_a contest_v and_o the_o principal_a occasion_n of_o all_o the_o distraction_n that_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o who_o judge_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o take_v care_n and_o order_n about_o these_o thing_n have_v enterwoven_v their_o own_o secular_a interest_n and_o advantage_n into_o such_o a_o church-state_n as_o be_v meet_v and_o suit_v to_o preserve_v and_o promote_v they_o suppose_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o that_o religion_n may_v be_v make_v a_o trade_n for_o outward_a advantage_n they_o do_v open_o seek_v the_o destruction_n of_o all_o those_o who_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o that_o church_n form_n and_o order_n that_o they_o have_v frame_v unto_o themselves_o moreover_o from_o man_n various_a conception_n and_o suitable_a practice_n about_o this_o church-state_n be_v advantage_n and_o occasion_n take_v to_o charge_v each_o other_o with_o schism_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o evil_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o ensue_v thereon_o wherefore_o although_o i_o design_v all_o possible_a brevity_n and_o only_o to_o declare_v those_o principle_n of_o truth_n wherein_o we_o may_v safe_o repose_v our_o faith_n and_o practice_n avoid_v as_o much_o as_o much_o as_o possible_o i_o can_v and_o the_o subject_n will_v allow_v the_o handle_n of_o those_o thing_n in_o a_o way_n of_o controversy_n with_o other_o yet_o somewhat_o more_o than_o ordinary_a diligence_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o true_a state_v of_o this_o important_a concernment_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o that_o which_o we_o shall_v first_o inquire_v into_o be_v the_o special_a original_a and_o authoritative_a constitution_n of_o this_o church-state_n wherefore_o 1._o the_o church-state_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v not_o less_o relate_v unto_o and_o receive_v force_n from_o the_o light_n or_o law_n of_o nature_n than_o any_o other_o state_n of_o the_o church_n whatever_o herein_o as_o unto_o its_o general_a nature_n its_o foundation_n be_v lay_v what_o that_o direct_v unto_o may_v receive_v new_a enforcement_n by_o revelation_n but_o change_v or_o alter_v or_o abolish_v it_o can_v be_v wherefore_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o new_a express_a institution_n of_o what_o be_v require_v by_o that_o light_n and_o law_n in_o all_o church_n and_o society_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o only_o a_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o present_a occasion_n and_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n
entertain_v please_v dream_n of_o throne_n preeminency_n chief_z see_z secular_a grandeur_n and_o power_n nor_o frame_v so_o many_o law_n and_o canon_n about_o these_o thing_n turn_v the_o whole_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n into_o a_o worldly_a empire_n for_o such_o it_o be_v that_o as_o of_o all_o the_o pope_n which_o ever_o dwell_v at_o rome_n there_o be_v never_o any_o pretend_a or_o act_v a_o great_a zeal_n for_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o law_n and_o canon_n that_o it_o have_v make_v for_o that_o end_n than_o gregory_n the_o 7_o the_o so_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o antichrist_n in_o the_o world_n as_o there_o be_v many_o anti-christs_n he_o be_v one_o his_o luciferian_a pride_n his_o trample_v on_o all_o christian_a king_n and_o potentate_n his_o horrible_a tyranny_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o christian_n his_o abominable_a dictate_v assert_v of_o his_o own_o godlike_a sovereignty_n his_o require_v all_o man_n on_o the_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o be_v sinful_a subject_n to_o god_n and_o peter_n that_o be_v himself_z which_o his_o own_o act_n and_o epistle_n be_v fill_v withal_o do_v manifest_a both_o who_o and_o what_o he_o be_v unto_o that_o issue_n do_v this_o power_n of_o law_n or_o canon_n make_v for_o the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n of_o church_n ruler_n at_o length_n arrive_v 3._o let_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n by_o jesus_n christ_n abide_v and_o remain_v let_v the_o law_n for_o its_o rule_n government_n and_o worship_n which_o he_o have_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v diligenty_n observe_v by_o they_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o take_v care_n about_o they_o both_o to_o observe_v they_o themselves_o and_o to_o teach_v other_o so_o to_o do_v and_o we_o know_v full_a well_o there_o will_v be_v no_o occasion_n give_v or_o leave_v unto_o the_o least_o confusion_n or_o disorder_n in_o the_o church_n but_o if_o man_n will_v be_v froward_a and_o because_o they_o may_v not_o make_v law_n themselves_o or_o keep_v the_o statute_n make_v by_o other_o will_v neglect_v the_o due_a observation_n and_o execution_n of_o what_o christ_n have_v ordain_v or_o will_v deny_v that_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o in_o and_o for_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o his_o law_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o inbred_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o rule_n of_o common_a prudence_n the_o use_n and_o exercise_n of_o both_o which_o be_v include_v and_o enjoin_v in_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n in_o that_o he_o require_v a_o compliance_n with_o they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o obedience_n which_o we_o can_v perform_v without_o they_o i_o know_v of_o no_o relief_n against_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o our_o difference_n about_o these_o thing_n but_o after_o so_o much_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n have_v be_v cast_v upon_o that_o principle_n that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o observe_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n or_o divine_a worship_n in_o a_o constant_a way_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o humane_a canon_n or_o law_n that_o be_v not_o prescribe_v in_o the_o scripture_n if_o we_o can_v prevail_v with_o man_n to_o give_v we_o one_o single_a instance_n which_o they_o will_v abide_v by_o wherein_o the_o rule_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o defective_a as_o that_o without_o their_o canonical_a addition_n order_n can_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o church_n nor_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v due_o perform_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v diligent_o attend_v unto_o allow_v the_o general_n rule_v give_v we_o in_o the_o scripture_n for_o church-order_n and_o worship_n to_o be_v apply_v unto_o all_o proper_a occasion_n and_o circumstance_n with_o particular_a positive_a divine_a precept_n allow_v also_o that_o the_o apostle_n in_o what_o they_o do_v and_o act_v in_o the_o constitution_n and_o order_v of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o worship_n do_v and_o act_v it_o in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n as_o also_o that_o there_o need_v no_o other_o mean_n of_o affect_v and_o oblige_v our_o conscience_n in_o these_o thing_n but_o only_o that_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n be_v intimate_v and_o make_v know_v unto_o we_o though_o not_o in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o law_n give_v and_o promulgate_v which_o i_o suppose_v no_o man_n of_o sober_a mind_n or_o principle_n can_v disallow_v and_o then_o give_v a_o instance_n of_o such_o a_o deficiency_n as_o that_o mention_v in_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o whole_a difference_n in_o this_o matter_n will_v be_v right_o state_v and_o not_o else_o but_o to_o return_v from_o this_o digression_n two_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o only_o ascribe_v this_o authority_n unto_o christ_n alone_o but_o it_o give_v instance_n of_o his_o use_n and_o exercise_n thereof_o which_o comprise_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o constitution_n and_o order_v of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o they_o 1_o he_o build_v his_o own_o house_n heb._n 3.3_o 2_o he_o appoint_v office_n for_o rule_n in_o his_o church_n and_o officer_n 1_o cor._n 12_o 5._o rome_n 12.6_o 7_o 8._o 3_o he_o give_v gift_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o church_n ephes._n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o 1_o cor._n 11_o 12._o 4_o he_o give_v power_n and_o authority_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v to_o minister_n and_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n which_o thing_n must_v be_v afterward_o speak_v unto_o three_o as_o unto_o this_o constitution_n of_o the_o gospel-church-state_n the_o scripture_n assign_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n faithfulness_n unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n heb._n 3.3_o 4_o 5._o this_o power_n be_v original_o in_o god_n himself_o it_o belong_v unto_o he_o alone_o as_o the_o great_a sovereign_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n unto_o christ_n as_o mediator_n it_o be_v give_v by_o the_o father_n and_o the_o whole_a of_o it_o entrust_v with_o he_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o he_o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n as_o unto_o what_o he_o will_v have_v do_v and_o order_v with_o respect_n whereunto_o this_o power_n be_v commit_v unto_o he_o and_o here_o his_o faithfulness_n take_v place_n exert_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o whole_a mind_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n institute_v appoint_v and_o command_v all_o that_o god_n will_v have_v so_o ordain_v and_o nothing_o else_o and_o what_o can_v any_o man_n do_v that_o come_v after_o the_o king_n hereunto_o there_o be_v add_v on_o the_o same_o account_n the_o consideration_n of_o his_o wisdom_n his_o love_n and_o care_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n which_o in_o he_o be_v ineffable_a and_o inimitable_a by_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v he_o fit_v for_o his_o office_n and_o the_o work_n that_o be_v reserve_v for_o he_o so_o as_o that_o he_o may_v in_o all_o thing_n have_v the_o preeminency_n and_o this_o be_v to_o make_v the_o last_o and_o only_a full_a perfect_a complete_a revelation_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n as_o unto_o the_o state_n order_n faith_n obedience_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o perfection_n in_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n until_o he_o take_v this_o work_n in_o hand_n wherefore_o it_o may_v just_o be_v suppose_v that_o he_o have_v so_o perfect_o state_v and_o establish_v all_o thing_n concern_v his_o church_n and_o worship_n therein_o be_v the_o last_o divine_a hand_n that_o be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o this_o work_n and_o this_o his_o hand_n heb._n 1.2_o 3._o that_o whatever_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o law_n or_o a_o constitution_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n at_o all_o time_n or_o be_v needful_a for_o his_o disciple_n to_o observe_v be_v reveal_v declare_v and_o establish_v by_o he_o and_o in_o this_o persuasion_n i_o shall_v abide_v until_o i_o see_v better_a fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o interposition_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o man_n unto_o the_o same_o end_n which_o he_o design_v than_o as_o yet_o i_o have_v be_v able_a in_o any_o age_n to_o observe_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n plead_v may_v for_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o their_o truth_n be_v reduce_v unto_o the_o ensue_a head_n or_o proposition_n 1._o every_o church-state_n that_o have_v a_o especial_a institution_n of_o its_o own_o give_v its_o especial_a kind_n suppose_v and_o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n require_v and_o direct_v in_o general_a those_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o the_o be_v order_n and_o preservation_n of_o such_o society_n as_o that_o be_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v society_n wherein_o man_n voluntary_o join_v together_o for_o the_o solemn_a performance_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o joint_a walk_v in_o obedience_n before_o god_n that_o these_o society_n ought_v to_o use_v such_o mean_n for_o their_o own_o
wherein_o there_o be_v no_o church_n that_o he_o can_v possible_o join_v himself_o unto_o or_o that_o he_o be_v unjust_o refuse_v communion_n by_o unwarrantable_a condition_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v with_o many_o during_o the_o prevalency_n of_o the_o papacy_n in_o all_o the_o western_a empire_n it_o be_v the_o indispensible_a duty_n of_o every_o disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o order_n unto_o his_o edification_n and_o salvation_n voluntary_o and_o of_o his_o own_o choice_n to_o join_v himself_o in_o and_o unto_o some_o particular_a congregation_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o all_o the_o institution_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o shall_v now_o far_o confirm_v 1._o the_o foundation_n of_o this_o duty_n as_o be_v before_o declare_v do_v lie_v in_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n man_n can_v exercise_v the_o principal_a power_n and_o faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n with_o which_o he_o be_v create_v and_o whereby_o he_o be_v enable_v to_o glorify_v god_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o he_o and_o they_o without_o a_o consent_n and_o conjunction_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o communion_n and_o society_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v before_o 2._o the_o way_n whereby_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v god_n have_v declare_v and_o reveal_v from_o the_o beginning_n by_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church-state_n through_o the_o addition_n of_o arbitrary_a institution_n of_o worship_n unto_o what_o be_v require_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n for_o this_o give_v the_o true_a state_n and_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o a_o church_n namely_o a_o divine_a addition_n of_o arbitrary_a institution_n of_o worship_n unto_o the_o necessary_a dictate_v of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n unto_o that_o end_n and_o the_o especial_a nature_n of_o any_o church-state_n do_v depend_v on_o the_o especial_a nature_n of_o those_o institution_n which_o be_v constitutive_a of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o church-state_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o of_o the_o new_a 3._o such_o a_o church-state_n be_v constitute_v and_o appoint_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n found_v in_o and_o on_o a_o especial_a covenant_n between_o god_n and_o the_o people_n exod._n 24._o unto_o this_o church_n every_o one_o that_o will_v please_v god_n and_o walk_v before_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o join_v himself_o by_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n that_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o that_o end_n namely_o by_o circumcision_n and_o their_o lay_n hold_v on_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n exod._n 12.48_o isa._n 56.4_o and_o this_o join_n unto_o the_o church_n be_v call_v join_v unto_o the_o lord_n isa._n 56.6_o jerem._n 50.5_o as_o be_v the_o mean_v thereof_o without_o which_o it_o can_v not_o be_v do_v herein_o be_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o god_n with_o man_n and_o he_o dwell_v among_o they_o 4._o as_o a_o new_a church-state_n be_v prophesy_v of_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n ezek._n 34.25_o 26_o 27._o isa._n 66.18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o and_o other_o place_n innumerable_a so_o it_o be_v actual_o erect_v by_o jesus_n christ_n as_o we_o have_v declare_v and_o whereas_o it_o be_v introduce_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o place_n and_o room_n of_o the_o church-state_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v to_o be_v remove_v at_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n as_o the_o apostle_n demonstrate_v at_o large_a in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n all_o the_o command_n promise_n and_o threatening_n give_v or_o annex_v unto_o that_o church-state_n concern_v the_o conjunction_n of_o man_n unto_o it_o and_o walk_v in_o it_o be_v transfer_v unto_o this_o of_o the_o new_a erection_n of_o christ._n wherefore_o although_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v reduce_v from_o that_o which_o be_v national_o congregational_a unto_o that_o which_o be_v simple_o and_o absolute_o so_o and_o all_o ordinance_n of_o its_o institute_v worship_n be_v change_v with_o new_a rule_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o what_o we_o be_v direct_v unto_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n yet_o the_o command_n promise_n and_o threaten_n make_v and_o give_v unto_o it_o as_o a_o church_n be_v all_o in_o full_a force_n with_o respect_n unto_o this_o new_a church-state_n and_o we_o need_v no_o new_a command_n to_o render_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o join_v in_o evangelical_n church_n for_o the_o end_n of_o a_o church_n in_o general_n 5._o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v dispose_v all_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o edification_n unto_o these_o church_n so_o that_o ordinary_o and_o under_o a_o expectation_n of_o his_o presence_n in_o they_o and_o concurrence_n unto_o their_o efficacy_n they_o be_v not_o otherwise_o to_o be_v enjoy_v such_o be_v the_o ordinary_a dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o any_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o live_v in_o a_o neglect_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o according_a to_o his_o mind_n be_v to_o despise_v his_o care_n and_o wisdom_n in_o provide_v for_o his_o eternal_a welfare_n 6._o he_o have_v prescribe_v sundry_a duty_n unto_o we_o both_o as_o necessary_a and_o as_o evidence_n of_o our_o be_v his_o disciple_n such_o as_o can_v be_v orderly_o perform_v but_o as_o we_o be_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a congregation_n this_o also_o have_v be_v before_o declare_v 7._o the_o institution_n of_o these_o church_n be_v the_o way_n which_o christ_n have_v ordain_v to_o render_v his_o kingdom_n visible_a or_o conspicuous_a in_o distinction_n from_o and_o opposition_n unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o world_n and_o he_o do_v not_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n declare_v himself_o a_o subject_n in_o or_o unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n who_o do_v not_o solemn_o engage_v in_o this_o way_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o constitute_v a_o legal_a subject_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n that_o he_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o nation_n and_o life_n in_o some_o outward_a observance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o it_o if_o he_o refuse_v solemn_o to_o express_v his_o allegiance_n in_o the_o way_n appoint_v by_o the_o law_n for_o that_o end_n nor_o will_v it_o constitute_v a_o regular_a subject_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o place_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v profess_v and_o so_o profess_v a_o general_a compliance_n therewith_o if_o he_o refuse_v to_o testify_v his_o subjection_n by_o the_o way_n that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v for_o that_o end_n it_o be_v true_a the_o whole_a nation_n in_o their_o civil_a relation_n and_o subordination_n according_a to_o law_n be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n but_o the_o representation_n of_o the_o kingly_a power_n and_o rule_v in_o it_o be_v in_o the_o court_n of_o all_o sort_n wherein_o the_o kingly_a power_n be_v act_v open_o and_o visible_o and_o he_o that_o live_v in_o the_o nation_n yet_o deny_v his_o homage_n unto_o these_o court_n be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v a_o subject_a so_o do_v the_o whole_a visible_a profess_v church_n in_o one_o or_o more_o nation_n or_o lesser_a precinct_n of_o people_n and_o place_n constitute_v the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n yet_o be_v no_o particular_a person_n to_o be_v esteem_v a_o legal_a true_a subject_n of_o christ_n that_o do_v not_o appear_v in_o these_o his_o court_n with_o a_o solemn_a expression_n of_o his_o homage_n unto_o he_o 8._o the_o whole_a administration_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o discipline_n appoint_v by_o christ_n be_v confine_v unto_o these_o church_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v approve_v by_o who_o that_o rule_n be_v despise_v i_o shall_v not_o argue_v far_o in_o a_o case_n who_o truth_n be_v of_o so_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n in_o all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n record_v thing_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o of_o his_o disciple_n with_o approbation_n unless_o they_o be_v extraordinary_a officer_n but_o such_o as_o be_v entire_a member_n of_o these_o assembly_n chap._n ix_o the_o continuation_n of_o a_o church-state_n and_o of_o the_o administration_n of_o evangelical_n ordinance_n of_o worship_n brief_o vindicate_v the_o controversy_n about_o the_o continuation_n of_o a_o church-state_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o gospel-ordinance_n of_o worship_n be_v not_o new_a in_o this_o age_n though_o some_o pride_n themselves_o as_o though_o the_o invention_n of_o the_o error_n whereby_o they_o be_v deny_v be_v their_o own_o in_o former_a age_n both_o in_o the_o papacy_n and_o among_o some_o of_o they_o that_o forsake_v it_o there_o be_v divers_a who_o on_o a_o pretence_n of_o a_o peculiar_a spirituality_n and_o imaginary_a attainment_n in_o religion_n wherein_o these_o thing_n be_v unnecessary_a reject_v their_o observation_n i_o suppose_v it_o necessary_a brief_o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n and_o vindicate_v it_o from_o this_o exception_n because_o though_o it_o be_v
who_o write_n be_v stuff_v with_o that_o charge_n and_o miserable_a attempt_n to_o make_v it_o good_n there_o be_v also_o other_o difference_n among_o they_o with_o respect_n unto_o church_n order_n rite_n ceremony_n and_o modes_n of_o worship_n the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o unto_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o sundry_a other_o thing_n take_v a_o way_n by_o itself_o which_o at_o present_a we_o do_v not_o consider_v 3._o consider_v the_o agreement_n in_o all_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n between_o these_o church_n thus_o at_o difference_n and_o of_o what_o great_a use_n their_o union_n may_v be_v unto_o the_o protestant_a religion_n both_o as_o unto_o its_o spiritual_a and_o political_a interest_n in_o this_o world_n the_o effect_n of_o such_o a_o union_n among_o they_o have_v be_v attempt_v by_o many_o private_a person_n prince_n colloquy_n or_o synod_n of_o some_o of_o the_o party_n at_o variance_n have_v sedulous_o engage_v herein_o i_o wish_v they_o have_v never_o miss_v it_o in_o state_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o union_n which_o in_o this_o case_n be_v alone_o desirable_a and_o alone_a attainable_a nor_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o disadvantageous_a difference_n that_o be_v between_o they_o for_o hence_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o although_o some_o verbal_a composition_n have_v sometime_o by_o some_o be_v consent_v unto_o yet_o all_o thing_n continue_v practical_o among_o they_o as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o there_o be_v yet_o person_n who_o be_v manage_v proposal_n for_o such_o a_o union_n with_o great_a projection_n in_o point_n of_o method_n for_o the_o compass_v of_o it_o and_o state_v of_o the_o principle_n of_o agreement_n some_o whereof_o i_o have_v by_o i_o but_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n in_o europe_n with_o the_o mind_n of_o potentate_n not_o concern_v in_o these_o thing_n leave_v little_a encouragement_n for_o any_o such_o attempt_n or_o expectation_n of_o any_o success_n 4._o after_o the_o trial_n and_o experience_n of_o a_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n it_o be_v altogether_o in_o vain_a to_o be_v expect_v that_o any_o far_a reconciliation_n or_o union_n shall_v be_v effect_v between_o these_o protestant_a church_n by_o either_o party_n relinquishment_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o have_v so_o long_o teach_v profess_v and_o contend_v for_o or_o of_o their_o practice_n in_o divine_a worship_n which_o they_o have_v so_o long_o be_v accustom_v unto_o we_o may_v as_o well_o expect_v that_o a_o river_n shall_v run_v backward_o as_o expect_v any_o such_o thing_n in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n i_o say_v the_o principle_n we_o proceed_v upon_o be_v the_o most_o useful_a unto_o the_o procure_n of_o peace_n and_o union_n among_o these_o church_n in_o the_o state_n wherein_o they_o be_v and_o without_o which_o it_o will_v never_o be_v effect_v i_o shall_v therefore_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o of_o they_o which_o be_v of_o this_o nature_n and_o tendency_n 1._o and_o the_o first_o be_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o general_a reformation_n in_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n belong_v unto_o these_o church_n it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v what_o a_o woeful_a condition_n the_o profession_n even_o of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n be_v fall_v into_o how_o little_a evidence_n be_v there_o leave_v of_o the_o power_n of_o evangelical_n grace_n work_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n what_o little_a diligence_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n what_o a_o deluge_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o vice_n have_v overwhelm_v the_o nation_n and_o what_o indication_n there_o be_v of_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n against_o we_o on_o the_o account_n of_o these_o thing_n who_o do_v not_o almost_o tremble_v at_o they_o calvin_n unto_o who_o i_o be_v new_o send_v by_o our_o reverend_a author_n in_o answer_n to_o they_o who_o plead_v for_o a_o separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n because_o of_o the_o wickedness_n of_o many_o of_o its_o member_n or_o any_o of_o they_o add_v unto_o it_o it_o be_v a_o most_o just_a offence_n and_o unto_o which_o there_o be_v too_o much_o occasion_n give_v in_o this_o miserable_a age._n nor_o be_v it_o lawful_a to_o excuse_v our_o curse_a sloth_n which_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o let_v go_v unpunished_a as_o he_o begin_v already_o to_o chastise_v we_o with_o grievous_a stripe_n wo_n therefore_o unto_o we_o who_o by_o our_o dissolute_a licentiousness_n in_o flagitious_a sin_n do_v cause_n that_o the_o weak_a conscience_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v wound_v for_o we_o and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o then_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o much_o mend_v in_o the_o age_n wherein_o we_o live_v the_o truth_n be_v sin_n and_o impiety_n be_v come_v to_o that_o height_n and_o impudence_n sensuality_n and_o oppression_n be_v so_o diffuse_v among_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n conformity_n unto_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n become_v so_o universal_a and_o the_o evidence_n of_o god_n displeasure_n with_o the_o beginning_n and_o entrance_n of_o his_o judgement_n be_v so_o display_v as_o that_o if_o the_o reformation_n plead_v for_o be_v not_o speedy_o endeavour_v and_o vigorous_o pursue_v it_o will_v be_v too_o late_o to_o talk_v of_o difference_n and_o union_n destruction_n will_v swallow_v up_o all_o until_o this_o be_v agree_v on_o until_o it_o be_v attempt_v and_o effect_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n all_o endeavour_n for_o far_a union_n whatever_o there_o appear_v success_n shall_v be_v as_o probable_o it_o will_v be_v very_o small_a will_v be_v of_o no_o use_n unto_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n the_o glory_n of_o christ_n nor_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n individual_a person_n will_v do_v well_o to_o take_v care_n of_o themselves_o 2._o that_o all_o these_o differ_a church_n and_o whilst_o these_o difference_n do_v continue_v be_v teach_v to_o prefer_v their_o general_a interest_n in_o opposition_n unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o antichrist_n in_o the_o world_n before_o the_o lesser_a thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v and_o those_o occasional_a animosity_n that_o will_v ensue_v upon_o they_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v in_o many_o place_n that_o the_o near_a some_o man_n or_o church_n come_v together_o in_o their_o profession_n the_o more_o distant_a they_o be_v in_o their_o affection_n as_o the_o lutheran_n in_o many_o place_n do_v more_o hate_v the_o calvinist_n then_o the_o papist_n i_o hope_v it_o be_v not_o so_o among_o we_o this_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o the_o want_n of_o necessary_a peace_n and_o union_n among_o church_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o wherein_o they_o differ_v but_o from_o the_o corrupt_a lust_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o person_n that_o differ_v this_o evil_n can_v no_o otherwise_o be_v cure_v but_o by_o such_o a_o reformation_n as_o shall_v in_o some_o measure_n reduce_v primitive_a simplicity_n integrity_n and_o love_n such_o as_o be_v among_o the_o church_n of_o the_o convert_v jew_n and_o gentile_n when_o they_o walk_v according_a unto_o the_o same_o rule_n in_o what_o they_o have_v attain_v forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n as_o unto_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v until_o this_o also_o be_v effect_v all_o endeavour_n for_o far_a union_n whilst_o these_o difference_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v like_a to_o do_v unless_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o thing_n in_o europe_n shall_v be_v change_v by_o some_o great_a revolution_n will_v be_v fruitless_a and_o useless_a be_v this_o conscientious_o insist_v on_o out_o of_o a_o pure_a love_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n with_o zeal_n for_o his_o glory_n it_o will_v not_o only_o be_v of_o more_o use_n then_o innumerable_a wrangle_a dispute_n about_o the_o point_n in_o difference_n but_o more_o than_o the_o exact_a method_n in_o contrive_v formulary_n of_o consent_n or_o colloquy_n or_o synodical_a conference_n of_o the_o party_n at_o variance_n with_o all_o their_o solemnity_n order_n limitation_n precaution_n concession_n and_o oration_n let_v man_n say_v what_o they_o will_v it_o must_v be_v the_o revival_n flourish_a and_o exercise_n of_o evangelical_n light_n faith_n and_o love_n that_o shall_v heal_v the_o difference_n and_o breach_n that_o be_v among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n nor_o shall_v any_o thing_n else_o be_v honour_v with_o any_o great_a influence_n into_o that_o work_n 3._o that_o all_o communion_n of_o church_n as_o such_o consist_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o same_o sacrament_n and_o common_a advice_n in_o thing_n of_o common_a concerment_n all_o these_o may_v be_v observe_v when_o for_o sundry_a reason_n the_o member_n of_o they_o can_v have_v local_a presential_a communion_n in_o some_o ordinance_n with_o each_o church_n distinct_o if_o this_o truth_n be_v well_o establish_v and_o consent_v unto_o man_n may_v be_v
due_o discharge_v the_o office_n of_o episcopacy_n other_o distinction_n and_o difference_n of_o ordinary_a officer_n beside_o that_o of_o bishop_n or_o elder_n and_o deacon_n the_o church_n at_o rome_n in_o those_o day_n know_v not_o such_o aught_o to_o be_v in_o every_o particular_a church_n of_o any_o one_o single_a person_n to_o preside_v over_o many_o church_n which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church-state_n distinct_a from_o that_o which_o be_v congregational_a clemens_n know_v nothing_o in_o his_o day_n but_o give_v we_o such_o a_o description_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o order_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o such_o a_o pretence_n 6._o i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o from_o this_o excellent_a epistle_n but_o only_o the_o account_n give_v in_o it_o of_o the_o first_o constitution_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d our_o apostle_n therefore_o know_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o there_o will_v contention_n arise_v about_o the_o name_n of_o episcopacy_n that_o be_v episcopacy_n itself_o for_o this_o cause_n be_v endue_v with_o a_o perfect_a foresight_n of_o thing_n they_o appoint_v those_o forementioned_a their_o first_o convert_v unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o future_a describe_v or_o give_v order_n about_o the_o course_n of_o the_o ministry_n that_o other_o approve_a man_n may_v succeed_v they_o in_o their_o ministry_n these_o elder_n therefore_o who_o be_v so_o appoint_v by_o they_o and_o afterward_o by_o other_o famous_a man_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n etc._n etc._n sundry_a thing_n we_o may_v observe_v in_o this_o discourse_n 1._o the_o apostle_n foresee_v there_o will_v be_v strife_n and_o contention_n about_o the_o name_n of_o episcopacy_n that_o be_v the_o office_n itself_o and_o those_o who_o shall_v possess_v it_o this_o episcopacy_n be_v that_o office_n which_o the_o depose_a elder_n have_v well_o discharge_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n this_o they_o may_v foresee_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o inclination_n of_o man_n unto_o pre-eminence_n and_o the_o instance_n they_o have_v see_v in_o their_o own_o day_n in_o such_o as_o diotrephes_n with_o the_o former_a division_n that_o have_v be_v in_o this_o very_a church_n about_o their_o teacher_n 1_o cor._n 1.12_o but_o moreover_o they_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n through_o his_o divine_a spirit_n abide_v with_o they_o and_o teach_v they_o all_o thing_n this_o therefore_o they_o seek_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o prevent_v and_o that_o two_o way_n 1._o in_o that_o for_o the_o first_o time_n themselves_o appoint_v approve_a person_n unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n not_o that_o they_o do_v it_o of_o themselves_o without_o the_o consent_n and_o choice_n of_o the_o church_n whereunto_o any_o of_o they_o be_v appoint_v for_o this_o be_v direct_o contrary_a unto_o their_o practice_n act._n 1.15_o 22_o 23_o 26._o chap._n 6.3_o chap._n 14.23_o but_o that_o the_o peace_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v provide_v for_o they_o themselves_o spiritual_o try_v and_o approve_v of_o fit_a person_n so_o to_o lead_v the_o church_n in_o their_o choice_n wherefore_o that_o which_o be_v add_v afterward_o of_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v unto_o those_o who_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o 2._o they_o give_v rule_n and_o order_n namely_o in_o their_o write_n concern_v the_o office_n and_o officer_n that_o be_v to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n with_o the_o way_n whereby_o they_o shall_v be_v substitute_v into_o the_o place_n and_o room_n of_o they_o that_o be_v decease_v as_o we_o know_v they_o have_v do_v in_o their_o write_n 3._o after_o this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n other_o excellent_a person_n as_o the_o evangelist_n do_v the_o same_o these_o assist_v the_o church_n in_o the_o ordination_n and_o choice_n of_o their_o officer_n according_a unto_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o i_o know_v not_o but_o that_o the_o eminent_a pastor_n of_o other_o church_n who_o usual_o give_v their_o assistance_n in_o the_o set_n apart_o and_o ordination_n of_o other_o unto_o the_o ministry_n be_v intend_v i_o have_v insist_v long_o on_o this_o testimony_n be_v lead_v on_o by_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o writing_n itself_o nothing_o remain_v write_v so_o near_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n nor_o do_v any_o that_o be_v extant_a which_o be_v write_v afterward_o give_v such_o a_o evidence_n of_o apostolical_a wisdom_n gravity_n and_o humility_n neither_o be_v there_o in_o all_o antiquity_n after_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n such_o a_o representation_n of_o the_o state_n order_n and_o rule_n of_o first_o evangelical_n churches_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a prejudice_n unto_o the_o pretension_n of_o future_a age_n that_o this_o apostolical_a person_n handle_v a_o most_o weighty_a ecclesiastical_a cause_n make_v not_o the_o least_o mention_n of_o such_o office_n power_n and_o proceed_n as_o wherein_o some_o will_v have_v all_o church-rule_a and_o order_n to_o consist_v the_o epistle_n of_o polycarpus_n and_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n at_o smyrna_n with_o he_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o the_o philippian_n be_v the_o next_o on_o roll_n of_o antiquity_n nothing_o appear_v in_o the_o whole_a to_o intimate_v any_o other_o church-state_n or_o order_n than_o that_o describe_v by_o clemens_n the_o epistle_n be_v direct_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o philippi_n not_o unto_o any_o particular_a bishop_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v the_o usual_a style_n of_o those_o day_n so_o be_v it_o use_v as_o we_o have_v see_v by_o clemens_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o it_o be_v use_v present_o after_o the_o death_n of_o polycarpus_n by_o the_o church_n at_o smyrna_n in_o the_o account_n they_o give_v unto_o other_o church_n of_o his_o death_n and_o martyrdom_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o same_o be_v the_o inscription_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o church_n at_o vienna_n and_o lion_n in_o france_n unto_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n and_o phrygia_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v immediate_o and_o these_o be_v plain_a testimony_n of_o that_o communion_n among_o the_o church_n in_o those_o day_n which_o be_v hold_v in_o and_o by_o the_o body_n of_o each_o church_n or_o the_o community_n of_o the_o brotherhood_n which_o be_v a_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o their_o state_n and_o order_n and_o those_o who_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o philippian_n call_v their_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n polycarpus_n call_v their_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n it_o behoove_v you_o say_v he_o unto_o the_o church_n there_o to_o abstain_v from_o these_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v subject_a unto_o the_o elder_n and_o deacon_n nor_o do_v he_o mention_v any_o other_o bishop_n among_o the_o philippian_n and_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o in_o all_o these_o primitive_a write_n there_o be_v still_o a_o distinction_n make_v after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o scripture_n between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o guide_n ruler_n bishop_n or_o elder_n of_o it_o and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v constant_o assign_v unto_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n as_o distinct_a from_o the_o elder_n nowhere_o to_o the_o bishop_n or_o elder_n as_o distinct_a from_o the_o people_n though_o the_o church_n in_o its_o complete_a state_n comprehend_v both_o sort_n unto_o this_o time_n that_o be_v about_o the_o year_n 107_o or_o 108_o do_v belong_v the_o epistle_n ascribe_v unto_o ignatius_n if_o so_o be_v they_o be_v write_v by_o he_o for_o polycarpus_n write_v his_o epistle_n unto_o the_o philippian_n after_o ignatius_n be_v carry_v to_o rome_n have_v write_v his_o epistle_n before_o in_o asia_n many_o be_v the_o contest_v of_o learned_a man_n about_o those_o epistle_n which_o remain_v whether_o they_o be_v genuine_a or_o the_o same_o that_o be_v write_v by_o he_o for_o that_o he_o do_v write_v epistle_n unto_o sundry_a church_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o and_o whereas_o there_o have_v in_o this_o age_n be_v two_o copy_n find_v and_o publish_v of_o these_o epistle_n wherein_o very_a many_o thing_n that_o be_v obnoxious_a unto_o just_a exception_n in_o those_o before_o publish_v do_v not_o at_o all_o appear_v yet_o man_n be_v not_o agree_v which_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v prefer_v and_o many_o yet_o deny_v that_o any_o of_o they_o be_v those_o write_v by_o ignatius_n i_o shall_v not_o interpose_v in_o this_o contest_v only_o i_o must_v say_v that_o if_o any_o of_o his_o genuine_a write_n do_v yet_o remain_v yet_o the_o corruption_n and_o interpolation_n of_o they_o for_o many_o age_n must_v needs_o much_o impair_v the_o authority_n of_o what_o be_v represent_v in_o they_o as_o he_o nor_o be_o
i_o deliver_v from_o these_o thought_n by_o the_o late_a either_o more_o sound_a or_o more_o maim_a edition_n of_o they_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o corruption_n and_o fiction_n of_o epistolical_a write_n in_o the_o first_o age_n be_v so_o intolerable_a as_o that_o very_o little_a in_o that_o kind_n be_v preserve_v sincere_a and_o unquestionable_a hence_o dionysius_n the_o bishop_n of_o corinth_n complain_v that_o in_o his_o own_o time_n his_o own_o epistle_n be_v so_o corrupt_v by_o addition_n and_o detraction_n so_o as_o that_o it_o seem_v he_o will_v have_v they_o no_o more_o esteem_v as_o he_o euseb._n ecclesiast_n hist._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 22._o but_o yet_o because_o these_o epistle_n be_v so_o earnest_o contend_v for_o by_o many_o learned_a man_n as_o the_o genuine_a write_n of_o ignatius_n i_o shall_v not_o pass_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o as_o unto_o the_o argument_n in_o hand_n i_o do_v therefore_o affirm_v that_o in_o these_o epistle_n in_o any_o edition_n of_o they_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v or_o description_n give_v of_o any_o church_n or_o church_n state_n but_o only_o of_o that_o which_o be_v congregational_a that_o be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o all_o the_o member_n whereof_o do_v meet_v and_o be_v oblige_v to_o meet_v for_o divine_a worship_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o same_o place_n what_o be_v the_o distinction_n they_o observe_v among_o their_o officer_n of_o what_o fort_n they_o be_v and_o what_o number_n belong_v not_o unto_o our_o present_a enquiry_n our_o concernment_n be_v only_o this_o that_o they_o do_v preside_v in_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n and_o be_v none_o of_o they_o bishop_n of_o more_o church_n than_o one_o or_o of_o any_o church_n that_o shall_v consist_v of_o a_o collection_n or_o association_n of_o such_o particular_a church_n as_o have_v no_o bishop_n proper_o so_o call_v of_o their_o own_o all_o these_o epistle_n that_o be_v the_o seven_o most_o esteem_v be_v write_v as_o that_o of_o clemens_n unto_o the_o body_n or_o whole_a fraternity_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o who_o they_o be_v direct_v in_o distinction_n from_o their_o bishop_n elder_n and_o deacon_n except_v only_o that_o unto_o polycarpus_n which_o be_v unto_o a_o single_a person_n under_o that_o consideration_n namely_o of_o the_o entire_a fraternity_n in_o distinction_n from_o their_o officer_n do_v he_o address_v unto_o they_o and_o therein_o do_v he_o ascribe_v and_o assign_v such_o duty_n unto_o they_o as_o can_v not_o be_v attend_v unto_o nor_o perform_v but_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o they_o all_o such_o be_v the_o direction_n he_o give_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o the_o philadelphian_o how_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n they_o shall_v receive_v penitent_n return_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o they_o may_v be_v encourage_v into_o that_o duty_n by_o their_o benignity_n and_o patience_n and_o many_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n do_v he_o deal_v with_o they_o about_o and_o this_o assemble_v together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n namely_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n he_o do_v frequent_o intimate_v and_o express_v some_o instance_n hereof_o we_o may_v repeat_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d meet_v all_o of_o you_o together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n let_v there_o be_v one_o prayer_n in_o common_a of_o all_o epist._n ad_fw-la magnes_fw-la this_o direction_n can_v be_v give_v unto_o no_o other_o but_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o again_o to_o the_o philadelphian_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d where_o your_o pastor_n be_v there_o follow_v you_o as_o sheep_n and_o how_o they_o may_v do_v so_o be_v declare_v immediate_o afterward_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o write_v with_o confidence_n unto_o your_o godly_a love_n and_o persuade_v you_o to_o use_v one_o faith_n or_o the_o confession_n of_o it_o one_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o one_o eucharist_n or_o administration_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n for_o the_o flesh_n of_o christ_n be_v one_o and_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v shed_v for_o we_o in_o one_o one_o bread_n be_v break_v to_o all_o and_o one_o cup_n distribute_v among_o all_o there_o be_v one_o altar_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o one_o bishop_n with_o the_o presbytery_n and_o the_o deacon_n my_o fellow_n servant_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o it_o be_v a_o particular_a church_n in_o its_o order_n and_o assembly_n for_o worship_n in_o one_o place_n that_o he_o describe_v nor_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v accommodate_v unto_o a_o church_n of_o any_o other_o form_n and_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o epistle_n treat_v about_o the_o church_n send_v their_o bishop_n or_o other_o on_o their_o occasion_n he_o tell_v they_o in_o particular_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o become_v you_o as_o a_o church_n of_o god_n to_o choose_v or_o appoint_v a_o bishop_n who_o may_v perform_v the_o embassy_n of_o god_n that_o it_o may_v be_v grant_v unto_o they_o to_o glorify_v the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v gather_v together_o in_o one_o place_n it_o be_v somewhat_o difficult_a how_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n shall_v choose_v or_o ordain_v a_o bishop_n at_o this_o time_n for_o they_o have_v one_o of_o their_o own_o who_o ignatius_n great_o extol_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o epistle_n nor_o be_v it_o in_o their_o power_n or_o duty_n to_o choose_v or_o ordain_v a_o bishop_n for_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n which_o be_v their_o own_o right_a and_o duty_n alone_o nor_o have_v the_o church_n of_o antioch_n any_o the_o least_o dependence_n on_o that_o at_o philadelphia_n it_o may_v be_v he_o intend_v only_o their_o assistance_n therein_o as_o immediate_o before_o he_o ascribe_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o antiochian_o unto_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o philadelphian_o for_o my_o part_n i_o judge_v he_o intend_v not_o the_o proper_a bishop_n of_o either_o place_n but_o some_o elder_n which_o they_o be_v to_o choose_v as_o a_o messenger_n to_o send_v to_o antioch_n to_o assist_v they_o in_o their_o present_a condition_n for_o in_o those_o day_n there_o be_v person_n choose_v by_o the_o church_n to_o be_v send_v abroad_o to_o assist_v other_o church_n on_o the_o like_a occasion_n these_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o cor._n 8.23_o the_o especial_a apostle_n of_o the_o church_n as_o vers_n 19_o it_o be_v say_v of_o luke_n that_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d choose_v and_o appoint_v by_o the_o church_n for_o the_o service_n there_o mention_v such_o be_v this_o bishop_n who_o be_v send_v on_o god_n errand_n to_o assist_v the_o church_n by_o his_o advice_n and_o counsel_n as_o unto_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o assembly_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n though_o at_o present_a their_o bishop_n be_v take_v from_o they_o in_o that_o epistle_n unto_o the_o ephesian_n he_o let_v they_o know_v that_o he_o rejoice_v at_o their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d their_o numerous_a multitude_n who_o he_o persuade_v and_o urge_v unto_o a_o common_a concurrence_n in_o prayer_n with_o their_o bishop_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o if_o the_o prayer_n of_o one_o or_o two_o be_v so_o effectual_a that_o they_o bring_v christ_n among_o they_o how_o much_o more_o will_v the_o consent_a prayer_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n together_o so_o he_o again_o explain_v his_o mind_n towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o epistle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v your_o diligence_n to_o meet_v together_o frequent_o for_o when_o you_o frequent_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n the_o power_n of_o satan_n be_v destroy_v and_o many_o other_o expression_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n occur_v in_o those_o epistle_n we_o be_v no_o way_n at_o present_a concern_v in_o the_o controversy_n about_o that_o distinction_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n which_o the_o writer_n of_o those_o epistle_n do_v assert_v this_o only_a i_o say_v that_o he_o do_v in_o none_o of_o they_o take_v the_o least_o notice_n or_o give_v the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o church-state_n but_o such_o alone_a wherein_o the_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n do_v constant_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o communion_n among_o themselves_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o he_o every_o where_o in_o all_o his_o epistle_n to_o they_o ascribe_v such_o duty_n and_o right_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o can_v be_v observe_v and_o preserve_v but_o in_o particular_a church_n only_o nor_o do_v he_o leave_v any_o room_n for_o any_o other_o church-state_n whatever_o although_o therefore_o there_o may_v have_v be_v and_o probable_o there_o be_v some_o alteration_n in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n from_o what_o be_v of_o primitive_a institution_n yet_o be_v there_o as_o yet_o no_o such_o change_n in_o